Changing the Way the World Does Business

Ultra-Long-Range Aircraft Review: The Gulfstream G650

May 6, 2013

No matter how you measure it, Gulfstream’s newest, hot-selling G650 is a remarkable aircraft. At Mach 0.925 (704 mph), it’s arguably the world’s fastest civilian aircraft, and its colossal 8,050-mile range easily links New York with Beijing and London with Buenos Aires. In fact, passengers can fly between any two cities on Earth with no more than a single refueling stop.

Being able to go fast and far is a business imperative in today’s global economy, but traveling those distances in just any long-range business or commercial jet comes at a price. The physiological strain of long trips can result in the dull, weary, “I’m-definitely-not-on-top-of-my-game” feeling. Traveling in the speedy G650, which can cut an hour off many long-haul trips, is very different, however.

Typical business jets or airliners cruising at 35,000 or 40,000 feet have a cabin altitude equivalent to about 8,000 feet. The resulting reduced oxygen levels take their toll: The longer the fl ight and the higher the altitude, the greater the impact. That’s why one feels exhausted and lethargic after landing. A six- to eight-hour flight may require an extra day to acclimatize. That’s not the case aboard the G650, however, even when flights exceed 12 hours.

While considering the impact of long-range travel, Gulfstream engineers designed a pressurization system that maintains an amazingly low cabin altitude at the jet’s 51,000-foot maximum cruise level. When cruising at a more typical 41,000 feet, the cabin remains at a comfortable 3,300-foot altitude, allowing passengers to maintain optimum levels of oxygen-rich air.

The newest Gulfstream also takes advantage of breakthrough technologies developed in Gulfstream’s own acoustic test facility (one of the most advanced in the nation), where engineers created one of the quietest Gulfstream cabins ever. In addition, the G650 incorporates a unique 100% fresh air circulation system, and it has 16 of the largest windows in any business aircraft, allowing in more natural light. Together with the low cabin altitudes, these features allow passengers to arrive more relaxed, refreshed and alert than when flying on any other business aircraft.

The G650 traveler will lack nothing when it comes to comfort, convenience and communications. There are 12 different floor plans available to meet any customer’s desires, and as many as 18 passengers can benefit from separate cabin areas with berthable seats. In addition, a completely redesigned cabin management system allows passengers to control lighting, temperature, entertainment and window shades from any seat using a simple smart-device app.

On the flight deck, an all-digital, fly-by-wire flight control system ensures a smooth and safe journey, and the latest enhanced and synthetic vision systems allow uncompromised, completely safe access to airports across the globe, even in the most hostile terrain and worst weather conditions. For the global business traveler, the G650 is a virtual dream come true. Whether flying across a state, continent or ocean, you’ll arrive alert, refreshed and one step—actually maybe two steps—ahead of your competition.